F1 in Schools is a competition, open to all secondary schools, to design and manufacture racing cars powered by compressed air canisters. Student teams compete against each other in a National Championship to determine the best-engineered and fastest car in Ireland.

The Irish Computer Society established F1 in Schools in Ireland in 2006 in response to a recognised skills shortage in the Computing field, with technology courses experiencing a drop-off of 75% in CAO application numbers since 2000.

The F1 in Schools Challenge has gone a long way towards correcting inaccurate perceptions of technology by creating a practical and exciting learning environment for young people to develop an informed view about careers in this sector. The Challenge is also the perfect preparation for the new t4 Technology Subjects which are now being offered at Leaving Certificate level in Irish secondary schools.

The students' 25cm long model F1 cars start life as simple balsa wood blocks and are transformed into slick racers through students' use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and collaboration with third level institutions. By visiting the institutions for design tutorials and to see their cars being made and tested, students gain a valuable insight into technology choices at third level. All participating schools also receive free CAD software.

Each team presents a design portfolio or website, including initial ideas, design development and evidence of testing, along with a short presentation to the judging panel. The quality of these presentations, along with the race times, determines the winner and from 2009 the lucky winners, Team Blink from St Ailbe's School in Tipperary, have qualified for participation in the World Championships 2010.

Our 2008 Overall Winners, Koni Kats from St. Davids Secondary School in Greystones, Co. Wicklow went on to the World Championships in London in September 2009. Thirty one teams from 20 countries vied for the Champions title. The Koni Kats team with their design, development, engineering and presentation skills, as well as excellent team work, beat their international rivals and took home the Bernie Ecclestone World Championship trophy!!!

This exciting competition will expose students to 3D modelling, virtual wind tunnels, working in teams, graphic design, project management, fund raising, computer-aided manufacturing, website design and is designed to encourage interest in the broader Science, Engineering and Technology areas.

For information contact the F1 in Schools team:
Tel: 01 644 7820
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Web: www.F1inSchools.ie